Diploma in Information Technology
The Industry
The UK Information Technology (IT) industry is a fast-growing and dynamic sector. More than a million people already work in it, and with growth rates of up to eight times the national average, there are plenty of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. In fact, we need more than 150,000 people every year just to fill new positions.
Information Technology is vital in just about every industry you can think of, from retail to sport and from music to banking. That is why understanding technology is an important part of today's education.
For a successful career in IT you will need to work well with people, understand the way business and technology work together, and be able to bring all these skills together to run effective projects.
Build essential skills and experience
The Diploma in Information Technology gives you a chance to learn in different settings. It lets you explore technology, and see, first-hand, the role that it plays in organisations, for individuals and in society as a whole.
You will also learn how to manage and deliver successful IT projects, and be able to apply what you have learnt when working on your own projects.
What will I learn?
All levels of the Diploma in Information Technology focus on three main themes:-
How is the Diploma made up?
Principal learning (subject learning you have to do)
At the heart of the Diploma are your core IT subjects. These will teach you the main things you need to know about the IT sector. You will learn about the issues that are affecting the industry today, how it works and what skills you need to have to work within it.
Additional and specialist learning (choices you can make)
-----Specialist Learning: At each level, you can develop your particular IT interests further by taking specialist courses relating to your chosen subject and career ambitions. You could, for example, learn about software design, web development or business enterprise.
-----Additional Learning: You might choose a GCSE or A level in a range of different subjects, like Economics for example, which would help you get onto a university course. If you want to carry on studying computer science courses at university, it would be a good idea to take Additional Maths. You can also broaden your course by taking an additional subject that reflects your other interests and career ambitions - like a language, a science, or a creative subject like Music.
Functional skills in English, Maths and ICT
Like all Diploma students, you will develop a good standard of English, Maths and ICT. These subjects are essential to succeed in any business or learning environment, whether you decide to continue in the IT sector or not.
Personal, learning and thinking skills
All Diploma students will develop personal, learning and thinking skills, such as team-working, creative thinking and self-management. These are vital skills in both life and work, and will be useful to you in the future, no matter which path you take.
Work experience
Your Diploma will give you the opportunity to do at least 10 days' work experience. This is a great way to use the knowledge, understanding and skills you have learnt in the classroom, and experience what work is like from the inside.
Student projects
During your Diploma, you will complete a student project to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have learnt. This could be a written piece of work, like a report or an investigation, or it could be a practical piece of work, like a website.
You may want to use video, film, a database or another technology to complete your project.
What a Diploma will lead to
A Diploma in Information Technology will give you the skills you need for either university or work, and is a first step towards a career in IT.
It could lead you to a university degree in computing, computer networking, information systems, business and information technology, computer games software, multimedia or graphic design.
Or it could help you begin a career as an IT professional, business manager or entrepreneur. You will also have the skills and capability to thrive in the e-economy.
However, the Diploma in IT doesn't mean you have to opt for a career in this sector. Because a Diploma teaches a mix of subjects, it will give you the skills that will be welcomed by colleges, universities and employers, no matter what you choose to do.
"The introduction of the Diploma is undoubtedly one of the most exciting developments in education for young people over the past generation. It is clear that it will engage and stretch learners of all abilities, and provide universities with students who will be able to present new skills and competencies."
Julian Skyrme, Admissions Policy and Widening Participation, University of Manchester.
Want to find out more?
To find out more about the Diploma in Information Technology, speak to your teacher or careers adviser.
You can also find more information about Diplomas on these websites:
www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas
www.connexions-direct.com
www.e-skills.com